Newsagents and convenience store chain Mills Group has completed a £200,000 revamp of its Darlington store.

In keeping with Mills' traditional role as a community provider, the store on Cleveland Terrace, which currently has a turnover of more than £1m a year, now includes a traditional in-store bakery and supplies locally sourced organic produce.

The Mills Group has also invested in two upper floor apartments at the site.

The refurbishment has brought the Darlington store in line with Mills' corporate image and includes new signage and store layout. The design has ensured the maximum use of space and has given the store a fresh and original look.

Mills Group currently owns 55 stores in the North-east, Cumbria, Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.

Darlington store manager, Les Wood, said: "The local community has definitely benefited from our new and refurbished store. Our new in-store bakery has proved extremely popular, giving local people freshly baked bread, pastries and confectionery on their doorstep.

"We also have a very busy in-store video-rental business - Hollywood Nights - as well as a convenient cashpoint."

Group managing director Nigel Mills said: "We are continuously expanding and investing in all of our stores to provide local and traditional services with modern facilities. Convenience store shopping is a vital element in every community and we aim to provide our customers with a varied and efficient service.

"Mills Group has seen a significant growth over the past few years, as the 'local corner shop' concept has become revitalised. Our ability to listen to individual communities' needs is definitely a defining factor of this success."